Rimula or Rotella T or something else?

[ELS]

I sure hope you guys can help me help a friend on this one.

Here's the deal...

This friend has a zero turn mower just like mine. But he has a newer design hydraulic system on his machine. Mine is a large capacity system that runs on 20w50 motor oil. His is a smaller capacity system with pumps that are 2 cc's larger.

Anyways, his manual calls for Shell Rimula 15w40 or EQUAL.

His area is like mine. What's Rimula? Never seen it... LOL.
But his dealer does happen to have it... $7.49 a qt... LOL.

I know this stuff is conventional 15w40 like the Rotella T, Delo & Delvac.

My question is... is there any reason at all that the Rimula would be better for this application than the others?

I have a deep dark feeling that the lastest versions of the Rotella T, Delo and Delvac are all better choices... readily available and reasonably priced.

He wants to use the Rotella T triple protection I think (CJ-4).
But I don't want to blindly lead him astray...
We are talking an air cooled hydraulic drive system here...

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[beanoil]

Rimula is an HDEO, 15w40, just like Rotella. Rimula is the value line from Shell in HDEO's and IIRC, is Texaco Ursa in disguise, with the formula left over from the Equilon days. I can't see where Rotella would hurt, or Delo, or Tection.....

 

[Johnny]

Agree with beanoil on all counts. Plus, $7.49 per quart for Rimula is a major ripoff.

 

[ELS]

So you guys can't think of any reason Rimula might be better to use?

Like it wouldn't happen to have some super anti-foaming agent or something else better for hydro pumps, like lots of zinc or something?

To me, it sounds to me like he would be doing himself a disservice not getting the latest and greatest Rotella CJ-4.

 

[FowVay]

Rimula is/was a product that was intended for use in heavy duty diesel engines that were operated on dirty 'off-road' diesel fuels. It was a common lubricant used in earth moving equipment and mining equipment. The additive package was designed to work with the dirty fuels and harsh environments.

Rotella was intended to be used in heavy duty vehicles that saw on-road use such as tractor-trailers and fleet delivery vehicles.

The hydrostatic drive systems on these lawn mowers will work on practically any oil you put in them. However, shearing is a major concern. I have seen recommendations ranging from 10w30 motor oil for John Deere systems to 5W-50 motor oil for heavy duty carts used for delivery.

Personally, I would track down some Amsoil SAE30/10W-30 and use that. It is about as stable a oil as you'll find.

And never, ever, ever pay more than $9,00/gallon for a product like Rimula. I'm surprised that it's still produced.

 

[beanoil]

Tell you what... If your friend is the fearful type, I have a few (maybe 3 or 4.. have to check) quarts of Rimula that were purchased for .33 per from AA on closeout. Donated the rest to the local fire department. Pony up for the shipping, and I'll give them to you.. PM me.